Early morning.
Outside the Golden Throne Hall.
Civil and military officials lined up, filing into the court.
Today’s morning assembly felt… different.
Because—
“Li An is here.”
Someone muttered under their breath.
All eyes immediately turned toward the entrance.
Sure enough.
Li An had come to court again today.
Not only had he come—he had arrived earlier than anyone else.
And even more absurd…
He wasn’t yawning.
He didn’t look half-dead.
He was…
Full of energy?
Dressed in brand-new court robes, hair neatly combed.
Back straight as a spear, striding with confidence.
And on his face—a bright smile that practically said, “I’m in peak condition today.”
The ministers collectively fell silent.
Something was wrong.
Very wrong.
Was this really Li An?
Or some impostor?
The old Li An would arrive late if he could, stand at the back if possible.
His eyes were always dull, his mouth always muttering complaints.
But today?
Did he take the wrong medicine?
“Minister Li seems especially spirited today,” the Minister of Revenue remarked.
Li An flashed him a grin.
“Of course!”
“I reflected all night and realized that if I don’t act now, I’d be failing His Majesty’s trust!”
The Minister of Revenue froze.
Failing His Majesty’s trust?
Since when was that your style?
When you sold official posts to raise funds, you acted shamelessly.
During the imperial examination reforms, you had a “whatever” attitude.
While building the Never-Night City, you yawned all day as a hands-off manager.
Though the results had been good…
Your attitude?
And now this sudden 180-degree turn?
As if we’d believe you!
Prime Minister Wang Fu walked up from behind, his gaze sweeping over Li An.
His brows furrowed slightly.
Something about this kid wasn’t right today.
Under normal circumstances, Li An was either causing trouble—or on his way to cause trouble.
And somehow, every time he caused trouble, it ended up benefiting Great Qi.
But today, he arrived early, energetic, smiling brightly.
That made Wang Fu even more wary.
A man who usually stumbled into success…
Suddenly taking things seriously?
That was not a good sign.
“Let’s see what kind of show he plans to put on today,” Wang Fu snorted, sweeping into the hall.
Court session began.
Emperor Zhao Ling’er sat upon the dragon throne, surveying her officials.
When her gaze landed on Li An standing in the front row, she visibly paused.
Li An?
Front row?
Serious expression?
Not yawning?
She rubbed her eyes to make sure.
No mistake.
It really was him.
“Ahem… Ministers, present your memorials.”
The moment she finished speaking—
Li An stepped forward eagerly.
“Your Majesty!”
“I have a proposal!”
Zhao Ling’er blinked.
In her memory, Li An never voluntarily presented memorials.
He only stood up when someone impeached him, so he could argue back.
And today, he stepped out on his own?
“Speak.”
“Your Majesty!”
Li An took a deep breath.
“I observed the heavens last night!”
The ministers collectively rolled their eyes.
Here we go again.
Every time he was about to stir something up, it started with this nonsense.
Since when did a civil official observe celestial phenomena?
But no one dared interrupt him.
Li An continued:
“I sense that Great Qi’s national fortune is flourishing—this is the time to press our advantage!”
“The success of the Never-Night City has revitalized commerce in the capital. The night markets thrive!”
“What does this show?”
“It shows that the people of Great Qi are eager to spend!”
“It shows that our economy has the potential to soar!”
“It shows that Your Majesty is wise and the realm is at peace!”
The ministers looked at each other.
Wait a second.
Li An… praising the Emperor?
That wasn’t right.
Normally, Li An’s words in court were shocking—either attacking the Prime Minister or the Grand Commandant.
And today he was singing praises?
Even Zhao Ling’er felt uncomfortable.
“Minister Li… are you feeling well today?”
She couldn’t help asking.
“Better than ever!”
Li An grinned.
“I’ve never felt this good!”
Zhao Ling’er’s heart trembled.
Oh no.
Is he actually sick?
Fever?
Did it fry his brain?
He was usually sarcastic and sharp-tongued.
Why had he suddenly become a fiery loyal minister?
“Your Majesty!”
Li An continued, unfazed.
“I believe the success of the Never-Night City is only the beginning!”
“We cannot stop here!”
“I propose a Great Qi Economic Soaring Plan!”
He paused, scanning the hall.
“The Never-Night City model must be expanded nationwide!”
“Every prefecture shall build night markets! Install street lamps! Invest in infrastructure!”
The ministers exchanged glances.
Expand nationwide?
Where would the money come from?
The capital’s Never-Night City alone had cost millions of taels.
Nationwide?
How much would that be?
Prime Minister Wang Fu finally spoke.
“Minister Li.”
His tone was calm but edged with steel.
“The capital’s project has indeed borne fruit.”
“But expanding nationwide would cost tens of millions.”
“The treasury has reserves, but it cannot endure such extravagance.”
Li An had been waiting for this.
“Prime Minister speaks wisely!”
To everyone’s surprise, he smiled.
“Indeed! We lack funds.”
“Which brings me to my second proposal.”
He pulled out a memorial from his sleeve and raised it high.
“I request that Your Majesty issue an edict to lift restrictions on money houses!”
“Encourage private banks!”
“Allow the people to borrow for consumption!”
The hall erupted in murmurs.
Borrow for consumption?
What did that mean?
Li An explained:
“If the people lack silver—no matter!”
“They can borrow from money houses!”
“Spend first, repay gradually after business prospers!”
“This increases liquidity.”
“More liquidity means stronger consumption.”
“Stronger consumption means merchants profit.”
“Merchants profit, tax revenue rises.”
“Tax revenue rises, the treasury fills.”
“This is called—stimulating domestic demand!”
He grew more excited as he spoke.
In his mind, he was applying the essence of modern economics.
Credit-driven consumption to boost domestic demand.
Wasn’t that basic knowledge?
He used to follow financial news constantly in his previous life.
To him, this was easy.
This was practically a free point.
Before, when he tried to ruin the country, he somehow strengthened it.
Now that the system wanted him to strengthen it—
He just needed to import modern methods.
This was stable.
Absolutely stable.
Ding!
【Detected host proposing “credit liberalization” policy】
【Evaluating impact on Great Qi’s national fortune…】
【Short-term forecast: Economic vitality increases, national fortune slightly rises】
【Current National Fortune Value: 172,479】
When Li An saw “national fortune slightly rises,” his grin nearly split his face.
It rose!
As expected!
Even as a proposal, the system gave a positive evaluation.
Once implemented?
The national fortune would skyrocket.
Four months.
At this rate, he’d easily earn tens of millions of taels of gold.
Financial freedom back in the modern world.
Meanwhile, Wang Fu was thinking furiously.
Strange.
Every time this kid did something—selling posts, reforming exams, building night markets—
It looked reckless, yet somehow strengthened Great Qi.
Wang Fu had gnashed his teeth helplessly.
But this time…
Credit expansion?
Let the people borrow to spend?
What if they couldn’t repay?
What if defaults spread?
The entire economy would collapse.
The more Wang Fu thought about it, the more excited he became.
This time—
Li An would finally miscalculate.
On the surface, it stimulated the economy.
In reality?
It planted a time bomb.
“Good!”
Wang Fu almost laughed inwardly.
“He’s finally going to fall!”
So instead of opposing—
He stepped forward.
“Your Majesty!”
“I believe Minister Li’s proposal… is feasible!”
The ministers were stunned.
The Prime Minister agreed?
Wasn’t he always Li An’s biggest opponent?
They didn’t know Wang Fu was actually a spy for Southern Zhou.
He was eager for Great Qi to collapse.
To him, this credit policy was divine assistance.
Grand Commandant Sun Qian pondered silently.
Unlike Wang Fu, he truly cared for Great Qi.
But he couldn’t quite decipher Li An.
Yet the young man had never failed before.
Perhaps… trust him again?
“I second the motion.”
Zhao Ling’er watched Li An speaking with passion.
For once…
He looked alive.
During past reforms, he had always seemed reluctant, like a laborer forced to work.
But today—
There was fire in his eyes.
Like he had made a decision.
Her heart warmed.
Minister Li… has finally found his resolve.
“Approved!”
She struck the dragon desk.
“Ministry of Revenue, Ministry of Works, Ministry of Personnel—assist Minister Li immediately!”
“By imperial decree!”
Li An nearly burst with joy.
Done!
The Emperor approved!
The ministers didn’t resist much!
This was smooth sailing!
He almost jumped in the Golden Throne Hall.
But outwardly, he knelt solemnly.
“Your Majesty is wise!”
“I shall devote myself fully and not fail Your Majesty’s trust!”
Zhao Ling’er looked at Li An kneeling below.
A faint smile curved her lips.
At that moment, Zhao Ling’er felt certain her original judgment had been right.
A talent like this only appeared once in a century.
Meanwhile, the Imperial Uncle, Liu De, stood quietly observing everything.
His mental abacus clicked rapidly.
Li An wants to promote credit?
Good.
Once credit runs rampant, the common people’s silver will be drained.
When complaints fill the streets and the people can no longer survive—
Won’t that be his opportunity?
“I also support the proposal!”
Liu De stepped forward, smiling broadly.
“Minister Li’s concern for the nation and its people is truly Great Qi’s blessing!”
Li An glanced at him.
Oh?
This usually quiet one is speaking up today?
Whatever.
The more supporters, the better.
He wasn’t actually obsessed with credit policy anyway—he just wanted the national fortune to rise.
Once he earned enough gold, who cared about credit or no credit?
After court was dismissed, Li An walked out of the Golden Throne Hall, his steps light as springs.
“Hongmei!”
He called softly.
Hongmei appeared soundlessly from the shadows.
“Young Master.”
“Let’s go! Let’s take a stroll through the capital!”
“Let’s see my Never-Night City!”
Hongmei looked at his excitement, unsure what to say.
Ever since he declared he would “be a loyal minister,” he had seemed like a different person.
He used to sigh at the ceiling every day.
Now he was energetic, like he’d been injected with adrenaline.
She didn’t understand why.
But seeing him so happy made her feel more at ease.
The capital streets still carried the afterglow of the Never-Night City.
Though it was daytime, crowds still bustled about.
Newly paved stone roads were clean and smooth. Shops lined both sides in neat rows.
Business was everywhere.
Li An nodded in satisfaction.
“Not bad.”
“This foot traffic—probably comparable to a modern commercial pedestrian street.”
As he admired the scene, Jin Daya hurried over.
“My lord! My lord!”
“You’ve come at the perfect time!”
Seeing his sweaty, anxious expression, Li An frowned.
“What’s wrong?”
“My lord… the night market stall rent…”
Jin Daya rubbed his hands awkwardly.
“Merchants are saying the stall fees are too high.”
“With the streetlamp maintenance fee, sanitation fee…”
“Many small vendors can’t keep up.”
Li An blinked.
Can’t keep up?
That can’t be right.
Wasn’t business booming a few days ago?
“Didn’t we collect three thousand taels in stall fees in one night?”
“That… that was during the initial craze.”
Jin Daya scratched his head.
“Once the novelty wore off, fewer people came.”
“But the fees are still the same.”
“Some stalls don’t even earn enough to cover rent.”
Li An frowned.
So… like a modern mall opening.
Crowds lining up the first few days.
Then empty halls afterward.
Classic.
But now he was in “loyal minister” mode.
He couldn’t let the economy falter.
If national fortune dropped, his gold would disappear!
“Lower the stall fees for now,” Li An said after thinking.
“Lower the threshold so more small vendors can enter.”
“Small profits, high volume.”
Jin Daya’s eyes lit up.
“My lord is wise!”
“I’ll handle it immediately!”
He patted his chest.
“However…”
He hesitated.
“There’s another issue.”
“People love strolling the night market, but they don’t actually have much silver.”
“Many just come to look around and leave.”
“Merchants aren’t earning much.”
Li An paused—then suddenly understood.
“Well, isn’t that convenient?”
He smiled.
“I just proposed a policy in court.”
“From now on, people can borrow from money houses to spend.”
“No silver? Still can shop.”
Jin Daya’s eyes widened.
“Borrow money to buy things?”
“Can that really work?”
“Why not?”
Li An patted his shoulder.
“Think about it.”
“They borrow money, they have silver to spend.”
“They spend it, merchants earn.”
“Merchants earn, they hire more workers.”
“More workers earn wages.”
“They repay their loans…”
“A perfect cycle!”
Jin Daya stared at him in awe.
“My lord is a genius!”
“How does your brain even work?”
“I’ve never seen anyone calculate like this!”
Li An smirked.
Of course.
This was the result of centuries of economic development.
In this era?
It was pure dimensional suppression.
He might not have been an economist in his past life, but he at least understood financial news.
That much common sense he had.
“Go.”
He waved him off.
“Lower the stall fees first. Then contact major money houses.”
“Have them prepare to issue loans.”
“And remember—interest rates can’t be too high.”
“Fifteen percent is enough.”
“We want scale, not interest.”
Jin Daya hurried off—then ran back.
“My lord!”
“One more thing!”
“Merchants from nearby prefectures heard about the Never-Night City.”
“Many want to open shops in the capital.”
Li An’s eyes lit up.
“That’s great!”
“The more the better!”
“More people, more consumption, more national for—uh, I mean, economic growth!”
He nearly slipped.
“Should we increase promotion?”
“Let nearby regions know?”
“Of course!”
Li An agreed instantly.
“Spread the word.”
“Say the capital’s Never-Night City is the greatest night market under heaven!”
“Food, drink, entertainment—everything!”
“Guarantee they won’t want to leave!”
Jin Daya’s eyes gleamed.
“Understood!”
“I’ll make sure to persuade—uh, invite—more people!”
He ran off excitedly.
Li An watched him go, satisfied.
Good.
Everything was progressing according to plan.
Once consumption rose, the economy would thrive.
If the economy thrived, national fortune would rise.
If national fortune rose—
He’d make a fortune.
Ding!
【Host promoting implementation of “credit consumption” policy】
【Market confidence increased】
【Great Qi National Fortune +500】
【Current National Fortune: 172,979】
Five hundred points.
Though not much, Li An felt delighted.
This was just the beginning.
Once policies fully rolled out…
Once money houses began lending…
Once people started borrowing to spend…
Wouldn’t national fortune soar?
He hummed happily as he strolled the streets.
Looking at the bustling crowds, he felt immense satisfaction.
In the past, such prosperity gave him headaches.
Now?
The more prosperous, the better.
The livelier, the better.
Ideally, the entire world would come spend money in the capital!
What he didn’t notice—
In a nearby alley behind him—
A modest restaurant had hung up a new sign.
“FOR SALE”
The owner stood at the door, sighing heavily.
“Streetlamp fee, sanitation fee, stall management fee…”
“One fee after another.”
“What we earn isn’t even enough to cover them.”
“This business can’t continue.”
Beside him, an old woman selling steamed buns sighed bitterly.
“Exactly.”
“The first few days were lively.”
“But what’s the use?”
“They come to watch, not to spend.”
“I sold only three baskets of buns today.”
“Not even enough to cover stall rent.”
Night fell.
Li An returned to his residence, brewed tea, and lay comfortably in his recliner.
He opened the system panel, admiring the updated national fortune.
172,979.
Five hundred more than yesterday.
Not much—but the direction was right.
“At this rate, one month should net fifteen thousand points.”
“Four months—sixty thousand.”
“Sixty thousand times one hundred taels of gold…”
“Six million taels!”
“Holy—six million taels!”
He nearly dropped his teacup.
“Young Master, what now?”
Hongmei peeked in again.
“Nothing! Just happy!”
“Very happy!”
She shook her head helplessly.
For three days straight, he’d been like this.
Grinning at the ceiling every night.
What she didn’t know—
Li An was calculating astronomical amounts of gold.
Six million taels.
Converted into modern currency…
He couldn’t even calculate it.
It was just… a lot.
Enough to wake up laughing.
“This time, nothing can go wrong.”
He muttered.
“The Never-Night City already proved that infrastructure and economic growth raise national fortune.”
“Now add credit consumption…”
“Double insurance.”
“Stable. Absolutely stable.”
He closed his eyes happily.
In his mind—
Gold everywhere.
Gold filling rooms.
Gold piled like mountains.
Blindingly bright.
What he didn’t know—
That very night—
Long lines had already formed outside the southern district money houses.
People had heard they could borrow for consumption.
“Really can borrow?”
“No collateral required?”
“Can spend it on anything?”
“I’ll borrow five taels—buy fabric for my wife!”
“I’ll borrow ten! Going to gamble at the night market!”
The money house manager smiled broadly.
But inside, he was uneasy.
Would these people truly repay?
Moonlight poured down like water.
But it could not illuminate the hidden dangers.
The Never-Night City glittered brightly.
Yet in the shadows beyond its lights—
Restaurants were closing.
Bun shops were losing money.
People were borrowing.
And Li An?
He was still dreaming.
Dreaming of wealth.
Dreaming of loyalty.
Unaware—
That the very first step he took to truly strengthen the nation—
Might just be the beginning of an ancient economic bubble.
Discussion
Comments
0 comments so far.
Sign in to join the conversation and keep your activity tied to this account.
No comments yet. Start the conversation.